Newbie question from a newbie... I just took up kite skiing and dang, winter ended way to early and the snow is gone and the lake will be open in
days.
I have GOT to get into skating but struggling with research on what the gold standard is for skates. There do not seem to be many firms manufacturing
them any more.
So, two things... what skates do most use and where can you find them.
Thanks in advance.Kamikuza - 19-3-2010 at 11:58 PM
You mean like Rollerblade Coyotes or like regular inline skates?thanson2001ok - 20-3-2010 at 12:02 AM
Good question. Off road/all terrain skates like Coyotes.Kamikuza - 20-3-2010 at 12:09 AM
Nobody makes them anymore IIRC. There's things like Trailskates which come close ...thanson2001ok - 20-3-2010 at 12:13 AM
So do interested fliers just troll e-bay, craigs list, ect. for used skates?Kamikuza - 20-3-2010 at 12:14 AM
Yeah pretty much - a few guys here mention when they turn up on eBay but it's once in a blue moon ... and always sizes too small for me thanson2001ok - 20-3-2010 at 12:16 AM
What size do you need? I will be watching and can let you know if I find any. I wear US 9.Kamikuza - 20-3-2010 at 12:16 AM
US 13 or so ... check your U2u's lad - 20-3-2010 at 08:28 AM
There is some Dutch company (can't remember the name right now) that makes what looks like coyote knockoffs. They're sometimes on eBay and you can
order direct. I posted a pic and a link here last year somewhere - search here on coyote(s) for the past yearBladerunner - 20-3-2010 at 08:50 AM
I have been riding Coyotes for almost 3 years and this trip to NABX will mark the 1st time I will ever have ridden in a pack ! :wee:
YES ,
I troll Ebay for good deals on Coyote rollerblades. Use the search words Coyote rollerblade and off road skates. That company Lad refers to is the
only one I know of making them.
The good news..... There are a good # selling on Ebay so if you are size 12 U.S. or less it shouldn't take forever. These skates fit on the small
size. Go up one size but don't go down a size. They usually go for under $200 and are extremely well built.
I LOVE my Coyotes and find they are a pretty good cross over from skis.
You can Fab " wheels of Doom " these are the way to go if you simply want to go high speed. I feel a lot safer jumping with my Coyotes.
We are out in left field . Even here on the dark side. But trust me ! You will enjoy Coyotes if you Love snowkiting ! :roll:
P.S. there is a dude selling size 10 ( not that common ) on Ebay right now. His starting price of $200 is the highest I have ever seen :ticking:thanson2001ok - 20-3-2010 at 10:21 AM
Thanks for the insight gents.
A question regarding Coyotes, can you carve with them. I read something about only three wheels making them hard to turn.:puzzled:macboy - 20-3-2010 at 10:28 AM
You will not ever be disappointed with Coyotes. They are super nimble because of the short wheelbase and totally hold a line solid as can be. I have
never ridden them on anything but hard turf or sports field grass and never had a problem with them sliding out on me. If that's what you mean by
carving......if you mean can I carve nice curves then yes - they do that too ; )
I waited and waited for mine but ended up paying close to $300. You can find better deals but I got tired of waiting. Even at $300 I'd say they were
totally worth it. I think new retail was $4-500?
If you get some, pull the brake mechanism out - I found that the boot flex under a hard carve applied the brakes no matter how much I backed it off.thanson2001ok - 20-3-2010 at 10:40 AM
By carving, I meant being able to turn hard. Keeping a straight line is important, but being able to cut upwind or turn sharply/switchback was
something I want to be able to do.Kamikuza - 20-3-2010 at 06:06 PM
... interested in the link for the Coyote knock-offs ...!thanson2001ok - 20-3-2010 at 06:47 PM
I searched but did not find the link yet.Bladerunner - 20-3-2010 at 07:42 PM
YES ,
Coyotes carve. At least equal to skis. Doomwheeel require a step turn.
This isn't a great video but I am carving turns in it. http://vimeo.com/6154435Kamikuza - 20-3-2010 at 07:52 PM
Glad you found some Coyotes. I'm going to set to making some budget friendly terrablades for myself.lad - 22-3-2010 at 03:15 PM
Yes, Nijdam is it...I dunno how they compare quality-wise to Coyotes. I don't think my ankles take well to skates anyway. ;(Bladerunner - 22-3-2010 at 04:28 PM
Quote:
Originally posted by thanson2001ok
OK, I found a pair of Coyotes.
Does everyone suggest pulling out the brakes?
Regarding kites, I have a Ozone Frenzy 5m. Thaink that is way too much?
YES, I remove the brake completely.
The frenzy will be too small eventually, not too big but a good place to start! I fly everything from 2.5 to 19m on my Coyotes depending on the winds.
I'm thrilled you found a pair and certian you will enjoy them. Please let us know how you take to them.PHREERIDER - 22-3-2010 at 04:36 PM
I also have an Ozone Frenzy 7.5m. That should be better in lower winds.
Nice vid Phreerider.
I'll post once I get the Coyotes howling.Kamikuza - 22-3-2010 at 05:21 PM
Quote:
Originally posted by thanson2001ok
OK, I found a pair of Coyotes.
Does everyone suggest pulling out the brakes?
Regarding kites, I have a Ozone Frenzy 5m. Thaink that is way too much?
I hate you people with little girly-sized feet!
You'll probably find you want a bigger kite so you can go faster in lighter winds too :o
Good find!thanson2001ok - 25-3-2010 at 09:12 PM
Got the Coyotes yesterday. Was really bummed with their condition. :sniff: Must have been a stock photo the guy took.
Regardless, had too much wind for the 5m Frenzy, too little for my 1m trainer. Looking for another kite and another day! I'll post when I do.
Hey, I need to add some air to the tires. Any recommendation on PSI?
So, still looking for size 9's.Bladerunner - 26-3-2010 at 06:42 AM
What a shame your 1st experience wasn't good. I remember mine. I was so friggin happy with them !
I just sort of pump by feel. I make them as hard as my little hand pump allows without damaging the little pump.
It must have been very windy for a 5m Frenzy to be too big ?
I'll keep an eye out for size9's for you.PHREERIDER - 26-3-2010 at 07:02 AM
anything broken ?
rough lookin' is one thing but function is what you are after.
tires pump, wheels spin(bearings are cheap), no broken rims , no broken frame...all good.
you need to be really selective on the wind at first, high gusty winds are just a tough game. you have to be comfortable with a very active kite
while cruising. speed control with the kite is essential. keep at it .
hill billy pants if you don't have them already , you will soon .thanson2001ok - 26-3-2010 at 07:02 AM
Actually, it was great wind for the 5m Frenzy. It flew great. Not sure I was ready for a maiden voyage on the Coyotes with that much grunt, though.:othanson2001ok - 31-3-2010 at 07:45 PM
Finally got out late today with an Action 6m foil on handles in about 6 mph winds. Just enough power to get a few short runs on turf and get
comfortable with the high COG with the Coyotes.
Once I was comfortable enough to move to tarmac, the wind was gone. So, I took the opportunity to put some time on the Coyotes... under human power.
The tarmac got me thinking... I better get elbow and knee guards. Any recommendations on equipment and sources?
Dainese is one of the top Motorcycle safety gear Co's. Good stuff. Good luck with the Coyotes and keep us posted on your progress. Just got back out
on mine last week.indigo_wolf - 1-4-2010 at 09:05 AM
+1 on as far as Dainese products really well made, thought out and top flight materials. The plastic and interior foam are sturdy but contain small
perforations that flow air well. Some of the knee guards and elbow pads have stitched "hinges" to facilitate freedom of movement.
Caveats: Consider polygamy.... as some products require the sale/trade of first borns.
Look around for sales, coupon codes (10%-20% off is not unheard of), and clearance/last year's/ gear or products about to be
"sunsetted"/discontinued. When dealers are looking to clear shelf space, whimpering wallet syndrome can be kept to a minimum.
While it is possible to find sizing info on jackets and torso protection and pant... knee and elbow guards are ordered on a best guestimatition
basis. If you have worn or ordered Dainese products before... maybe not such a big deal. Otherwise a tad frustrating trying to use their sizing
chart (sort of) for impact gear as return shipping for exchanges might have to be factored in.
Colors are generally stormtrooper white or assasin black. In motion, black is fine.... stationary it warms up a bit ( for the perforated foam. )
Hope that helps.
ATB,
SamKamikuza - 1-4-2010 at 07:42 PM
Nothing wrong with skating protection, especially if it's designed for vert ramps ... although I'm using EVS (I think) moto-x elbow gaurds ... I'd
recommend wrist splint gaurds too if you're planning on falling over on concrete etc a lot
for the perforated foam. )